The Dunedin Fire Brigade Restoration Society originated over 50 years ago in 1971. We are dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and promotion of fire brigade heritage in Dunedin. From humble beginnings we have changed and expanded our focus to offer a wide range of events and activities to promote interest and education in local fire brigade heritage.
Our main areas of activity are:
- Restoration and preservation of fire vehicles
Our collection currently holds 19 fire appliances which date from the 1910s to 1980s, of which most are operational or under restoration. This fleet is the core of our holdings and activities. We have also restored some appliances which have been loaned to other institutions, such as the 19th century Pride of Dunedin horse-drawn appliance, which currently sits on display at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. - Collecting brigade equipment, photographs, and written archives
Along with our fleet, we maintain an extensive collection of uniforms and equipment which date from the modern day right back to the 1860s. This part of our collection contributes to our ability to educate the public on the legacy of local fire brigade history, and adds to our heritage preservation activities. - Public programs
We undertake a wide range of public programs including displays and rides on the appliances. In doing so, we not only assist in promoting fire brigade heritage to the public, but also educate around fire safety themes. We also presently have our 1956 Dennis appliance on loan for 5 years to Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, which has proven to be a popular exhibit.
To learn more about the events we hold or participate in, please see the Events & Fundraising section of our website. To make enquiries about events or other matters, please contact us via the Contact & Enquiries section of our website.
Our History
The Dunedin Fire Brigade Restoration Society originated in a September 1971 decision by the Dunedin Metropolitan Fire Board to dispose of Fire #16, a 1935 Ford V8 appliance, with instruction to approach any interested historical society to inherit it. A group of Dunedin firemen established Vintage & Veteran Fire Appliances Otago in response, to which Fire #16 was donated. In 1973 Fire #23, a 1949 Ford V8 appliance, and a 50-foot wheeled escape ladder were donated. From this humble beginning, the collection we now have today began to emerge.
In June 1995, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum (then the Otago Early Settlers Museum) took up a lease on an ex-Ministry of Works workshop in Green Island. In this building, since demolished, we were allocated our own workshop in which major restoration work was conducted on what we then held in our collection.
In the early 2000s we became a registered charity under our current name. Later, after major additions to Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and the subsequent sale of the Green Island building in which we had our workshop, we took up an offer from Doug Hall for a workshop in his property in Burnside where we are today located.
We took an active role in the Dunedin Fire Brigade’s 150th celebrations, particularly in publishing a 1000 copy run of the book Ready Aye Ready: 150 Years of Dunedin Fire Brigades, 1861-2011 by John Ingram & Paul Clements. Today our activities include children’s parties, displays at local gala days, attending funerals, participating in the Santa Parade, and assisting with the annual can help appeal.
Dunedin Fire Brigade Restoration Society 